Kenneth P. Forester, Jr. ’58

Kenneth P. Forester, Jr. ’58 died at his Charlotte home of an apparent heart attack on September 3, 2007. Born in Sumter, S.C., January 20, 1936, he was the son of K.P. Forester and Louise Joye Forester. He graduated from Davidson College in 1958, where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, was tapped into ODK, the honorary national leadership society, and was a distinguished military student. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army (artillery) in 1958, and served on active duty until 1959. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves until 1969, achieving the rank of captain. He took great pride in his military service to his country. After a brief stint with the family business in Sumter, he moved to Charlotte in 1963 and began a distinguished career in real estate, focused on commercial and residential development and property management. Among his many accomplishments in real estate were his fifteen years of service as executive vice-president of SYNCO, Inc. and his twelve years as president of the Lake Norman Company. He was a charter member of the Charlotte Property Management Association and a long-time member of the Charlotte Board of Realtors. A lasting legacy of his vision and skill in real estate development is the Davidson Landing Community on Lake Norman. Ken frequently said that the most important transaction he ever negotiated was convincing Barbara Boyd of Lenoir, N.C., to marry him on June 19, 1965. Beyond his devotion to family and career, Mr. Forester was committed to public service and to his church. He was for many years an active Presbyterian Elder at Covenant Presbyterian Church, serving as chairman of the Finance Committee and in other capacities, and was honored for that service by being named Elder Emeritus. Among his civic activities, most prominent was his twenty years of service on the Board of Spirit Square, and as its chairman during the period 1990-1991. In recognition of his service to East Carolina University, he was named an honorary alumnus in 1992. His dedication to good causes will be missed by a wide spectrum of the Charlotte community. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Boyd Forester, 100 Amrita Ct., Charlotte, N.C. 28211-4019; his children, Michelle F. Cole (Justin) and Kenneth P. Forester III; his granddaughter, Lydia G. Cole; a sister, Ellen Forester Perkinson (A.P.); and four nephews and numerous grand-nephews.